Ryan Humbert – Sometimes The Game Plays You

Ryan Humbert and his band hail from Canton, Ohio where they have worked to perfect their music.  With extensive touring they have become known for stepping outside the box and trying something new.  The recent album Sometimes The Game Plays You, is a great example.  Humbert not only allows the sound on the album to gravitate more towards an Americana genre but also the entire album was recorded to tape.  In the digital age this musician chose to give recording an old school feel.  The result is something alive and warm.  By stripping down the production to something raw, it allows for the musicians and the songs to shine in a way that is often lost in modern technologies.

The opening track, “Waiting for the Lightning,” has an upbeat tempo with rich instruments.  You can hear the way the sound echoes in the room during recording, an imperfection that typically gets edited out of digital recordings.  Humbert’s vocals are unique and complemented with the natural soft harmonies of Emily Bates.

The album as a whole does an amazing job of transforming the listener’s emotions by using mesmerizing folk-like music.  Many of the songs have happy melodies while tackling heartbreak, disappointment, and misfortune.  One such song with a real folk vibe is “Don’t Tell My Heart.”  The song has a rich sound created from arrangements using the mandolin and accordion.

This album delivers many different dynamics.  Songs such as “Everything” are fun and catchy with a pop feel; while others such as “Not To Me” demonstrate a country/folk/Americana feel.  On Humbert’s previous album, Old Soul New Shoes, the vibe caters more towards a pop genre but with Sometimes The Game Plays You, he demonstrates diversity in his music style.

Humbert exercises his vocal abilities on the track “Tattoo.”  The song exhibits a simple and beautiful acoustic melody.  The lyrics and vocals are the main focus of the song with the elegance of the cello and guitar setting the tone.  Of course the very next track switches the vibe again.  “Incognito” feels like the soundtrack to an old western film.  It appeals to the Americana genre and will have you tapping your foot along.

One very interesting approach was Humbert’s decision to include two different versions of “Boulevard to Nowhere.”  The full band version demonstrates Humbert’s ability to arrange multiple instruments in a cohesive way.  Guitar riffs in the middle of the song add life and energy to the track.  At the end of the album is the acoustic version.  It is stripped down and replaces the electric guitar with angelic string sections.  The song takes on new life as it evokes a more sorrowful emotion.

Overall, Humbert delivers a heartfelt and cohesive album.  He demonstrates a unique ability to craft songs and emotions with the use of different instruments.  Every detail of the album is well thought out and shows his passion for music.  Sometimes The Game Plays You is an album that feels true to the warmth and passion of the Americana pop genre.

Recently IMR had the opportunity to sit down and speak with Ryan Humbert.

Rating: 4/5 Stars!

Album Name: Sometimes The Game Plays You
Date Released: June, 2012
Genre: Americana, Pop
Location: Akron, Ohio
Band Members: Ryan Humbert, Emily Bates, Ben Evans, Erin Vaughn, Jared Lees, Michael Houff, Ken Coomer, John Jackson, Brian Harrison, Audley Freed, Dave Roe, Jen Gunderman, David Henry
Record Label: Rock Ridge Music
Website: www.ryanhumbert.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ryanhumbertmusic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ryanhumbert

About Jen Carroll

All I've ever wanted to do is work in the music industry. Music is a passion and a way of life. Currently I'm a student at Full Sail University majoring in Entertainment Business. I'm a concert-aholic and love to surround myself in everything artistic and creative.

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